Press Release November 20th, 2018

Medical Cannabis Experts Come to South Africa at Requests of SADC Governments.

Adherence to United Nation Treaties, Localized Treatments, and Export Capabilities Top Concerns

(JOHANNESBURG) The International Cannabis and Cannabinoid Institute (ICCI) is hosting a series of events for medical professionals, Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) regulators, and the future medical cannabis industry. Following a series of requests for support and guidance, ICCI will be bringing global experts to Johannesburg to address concerns of policymakers and is opening up time with experts for medical professionals and those hoping to enter the medical cannabis industry in the region.

“Medical Cannabis could have a great impact on the quality of life of many SADC citizens as well as create much needed revenue streams. However, the success of the programs will rely on the legal framework at the heart of programs to ensure that they can be rolled out without stepping outside the UN Treaties and the respective government obligations,” said Dr Pavel Pachta, ICCI’s International Regulatory Affairs Director and former Deputy Secretary of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and presenter at the Seminar. “I am excited to have the opportunity to share my insights to help the governments, as well as industry, move their programs forward.”

Located in the heart of Europe - Czech Republic, ICCI identifies, coordinates and supports global research priorities for the advancement of cannabis and cannabinoid treatments. ICCI is a Center of Excellence, a network of Universities, hi-tech companies, and institutions from around the globe that serve as an international research and educational hub designed to meet the needs of cannabis stakeholders globally. This mandate has turned ICCI’s resources to organizing the upcoming seminars that will include speakers/advisors representing expertise from clinicians, INCB, drug development, patient advocacy, United Nations Committee on Narcotics Drugs (UNCND), and authoring and passing legislation globally.

“We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to liaise with medical colleagues in southern Africa and discuss the myriad possibilities for cannabis therapeutics on the continent. We are also excited to explore the biochemical profiles of African cannabis landraces, particularly their content of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), a cannabinoid with great promise in treating Type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, neuropathic pain and epilepsy” Dr Ethan Russo ICCI’s Director of Research and Development and former Senior Medical Advisor, medical monitor and study physician to GW Pharmaceuticals.

“It is our pleasure to collaborate with forward thinking partners like Webber & Newdigate, who are already investing in education and improving quality management in cannabis industry and safety of patients.” specified Pavel Kubu MD, CEO of ICCI. Webber & Newdigate, a Lesotho and S. African based commercial law firm, is co-sponsoring Friday’s events for Medical Cannabis Industry and Entrepreneurs.

“Properly designed medical cannabis programs give patients and their medical providers more options for essential treatments”, said Steph Sherer Founder of ICCI and President of Americans for Safe Access, a patient advocacy organization.” I am encouraged by the number of countries that are interested in creating programs that will serve the local populations”

Lesotho as a first country in 2017 licensed companies to produce medical cannabis on its land. Since then more than a half of SADC countries consider or took steps towards the production of medical cannabis and following medical cannabis program for their patients. Booming global demand for new territories creates a great opportunity for African countries to cover the needs of the local population while helping countries economy.